what are the primary causes of respiratory acidosis

ATI LPN

PN ATI Comprehensive Predictor

1. What are the primary causes of respiratory acidosis?

A. Hypoventilation and lung disease
B. Hyperventilation and pneumonia
C. Increased oxygen saturation and tachypnea
D. Dehydration and hypoxia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypoventilation and lung disease. Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is an accumulation of CO2 in the body due to inadequate ventilation. Hypoventilation, which reduces the elimination of CO2, and lung diseases that impair gas exchange are the primary causes. Choice B is incorrect because hyperventilation, not hypoventilation, leads to respiratory alkalosis, not acidosis. Choice C is incorrect because increased oxygen saturation and tachypnea do not directly cause respiratory acidosis. Choice D is incorrect as dehydration and hypoxia do not typically lead to respiratory acidosis.

2. A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who has full-thickness burns of the thorax and upper torso. After securing the client's airway, which of the following is the nurse's priority intervention?

A. Providing pain management.
B. Offering emotional support.
C. Preventing infection.
D. Initiating IV fluids.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After securing the airway, initiating IV fluids is the priority to prevent hypovolemic shock in clients with severe burns. IV fluids help maintain circulating volume and prevent a drop in blood pressure due to fluid loss. Providing pain management, offering emotional support, and preventing infection are important aspects of care but are secondary to ensuring adequate fluid resuscitation in clients with severe burns.

3. A client who is to undergo an exercise stress test is being taught by a nurse. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A. I should eat a large meal 2 hours before the test
B. I should avoid drinking water before the test
C. I should stop taking my blood pressure medication
D. I should report any chest pain during the test

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'I should report any chest pain during the test.' This statement indicates an understanding of the teaching because reporting chest pain during an exercise stress test is crucial as it may signify cardiac distress. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Eating a large meal 2 hours before the test is not recommended as it may affect the results. Avoiding drinking water before the test is also not advisable as staying hydrated is important. Stopping blood pressure medication without medical advice can be dangerous, especially before a stress test.

4. What are the signs of hypoglycemia, and how should they be managed?

A. Sweating, trembling; administer glucose
B. Headache, confusion; administer insulin
C. Dizziness, fatigue; administer glucose
D. Increased heart rate; provide a high-sugar snack

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct signs of hypoglycemia are sweating and trembling. These should be managed by administering glucose to raise blood sugar levels. Headache, confusion, dizziness, fatigue, or increased heart rate are not typical signs of hypoglycemia. Administering insulin in response to hypoglycemia would further lower blood sugar levels, exacerbating the condition.

5. What are the signs of hypovolemic shock and what is the nurse's role in management?

A. Rapid pulse, low blood pressure; administer IV fluids
B. Cold extremities, rapid breathing; administer oxygen
C. Decreased urine output, sweating; administer diuretics
D. Weak pulse, clammy skin; administer vasopressors

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct signs of hypovolemic shock are a rapid pulse and low blood pressure. Administering IV fluids helps to restore circulating volume, which is essential in managing hypovolemic shock. Choice B is incorrect because cold extremities and rapid breathing are not typical signs of hypovolemic shock. Choice C is incorrect as administering diuretics would further decrease circulating volume, worsening the condition. Choice D is incorrect as administering vasopressors may further compromise perfusion in hypovolemic shock.